Sergio Perez has been linked with multiple Formula 1 teams amid talk of a potential comeback in 2026. He was absent this year for the first time since 2010 after being let go by Red Bull.

Cadillac are the favourites to sign Perez as they prepare to make their F1 debut in Australia. He could partner Valtteri Bottas, who was a direct rival when they raced for Red Bull and Mercedes.

But Flavio Briatore is also interested in Perez as Franco Colapinto struggles at Alpine. The Mexican offers the same commercial incentives in the Latin American region.

TEAMSEATSDRIVER(S) OUT OF CONTRACTRed Bull1Yuki TsunodaMercedes2George Russell & Kimi AntonelliAlpine1Franco ColapintoRacing Bulls2Liam Lawson & Isack HadjarCadillac2N/AF1 teams with vacancies for 2026

His talks haven’t stopped there. Perez has even spoken to Mercedes, though that may have concerned a test role.

With 281 starts, six victories and 39 podiums to his name, he’s an appealing option. His final year at Red Bull was disastrous, but he’s far from the only highly-rated driver to come undone alongside Max Verstappen.

Sergio Perez makes management change as he lines up F1 return

Perez’s former trainer Xavi Martos was asked about the rumours on the Duralavita podcast. Martos remains in contact with the ex-driver and expects to be personally notified if he signs an F1 contract.

Fellow Mexican racer Pato O’Ward expects Perez to return to F1 because he’s been training hard. And Martos has spotted an even bigger hint – a change of management.

Perez has parted with Julian Jakobi and is now represented by Lebanese businessman and paddock veteran Khalil Beschir. This strongly indicates his desire to make a comeback.

“There’s one thing that I think people haven’t noticed,” Martos said. “I watched as a spectator and people have never said it.

“Checo has a new manager – I don’t know if you’ve read it. He had Julian, now he has another one. I wonder, why does he have a new manager?

“I think that answers everything. If you don’t want to stop driving, you don’t hire a new manager, at least that wouldn’t occur to me.”

Perez, who turns 36 in January, is still younger than former teammate Nico Hulkenberg (37), as well as Lewis Hamilton (40) and Fernando Alonso (44).

What Red Bull now think of Sergio Perez after seeing Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson

Earlier this year, Cadillac advisor Mario Andretti suggested that Liam Lawson was making Perez look good. Lawson, his immediate successor, lasted just two races before he was restored to Racing Bulls.

Yuki Tsunoda was the next driver called up, but he’s only scored seven points in 12 races. Those results, unfathomable during Perez’s height, leave the Japanese driver 18th in the championship.

Indeed, some at Red Bull are missing Perez, which suggests a sense of regret. It’s become increasingly clear that the problem isn’t personnel-specific.

Active drivers like Hulkenberg, Esteban Ocon and Alex Albon have previously made triumphant comebacks after losing their seats. Perez may want to repair the damage the events of last year caused to his reputation.